Roof Top Bike Rack?

[malinois38]

I would like real world experience/suggestions for bike rack (not fork mounted) my roof top Yakima round bar set up. I have a Tundra with a camper shell or truck cap as we call it here in the northeast.
Currently looking at the “Yakima Frontloader.” Any experience with this model would be helpful. However, I’m open to other suggestions or brands. I will need three, so gonna spend a few bucks. If I can find them anywhere! Right now the biking industry is almost completely out of stock, to include accessories.

I have four bikes to take & one can be put inside the truck cap. So, my plan is to mount three on top of the truck cap. I know, it will be high up and not easy to mount, but I have two boys to assist I currently have a front hitch rack that I have used with three bikes. The problem is that the bikes take a beating on the front hitch & makes my set up about 3’ longer that it already is.

Thanks in advance!

[dznf0g]

I believe that is the model my son has mounted to the roof of his folding camper. Also can go on his vehicle roofs.
Its pretty slick. 2 people can lif it off (4 bike stations) with their crossbars and reinstall on roof mounts without disturbing the mount adjustments. When in camp, it is on the ground and makes a ride up bike stand.
Very stable on the road.

[dznf0g]

Photo

[matthewk]

Yakima rails and 1up racks. Best combo.

[Mr. Merk]

Originally Posted by matthewk

Yakima rails and 1up racks. Best combo.

The 1up racks are the best. You can buy just the rack which can be mounted on roof rails or a platform. But there is a lot of versatility. I have a client that mounted his on the bedrail of his pickup. You can also buy it in hitch form which is expandable, you don't lose any departure angle when offroading and you can remove the rack from the hitch and use it on your roof etc. No plastic parts, and every part is available for replacement.

[jaybauman]

I just installed a Yakima rack on my Diamondback HD cover and purchased 4 FrontLoaders so we can bring along the whole family's bipeds on our adventures.

The kids and I just completed a 2500-mile road trip to visit grandparents and we brought along the bikes. The FrontLoader mounts are extremely easy to mount/dismount and the bikes lock in quickly and securely. It only takes me (alone) about 10 minutes to install towers, bars, FrontLoaders, and secure the bikes. You're getting a high recommendation from me on these things!

[Shiny16]

Thule big mouth is also a good one it’s about the same as the Yakima front loader . Unfortunately like the others they are also unavailable.
I sold a hitch mount rack and a trunk mount rack on CL both within hours of posting. I also sold a almost unused specialized hybrid for the same price I paid 3 years ago. The bike sold within 3 hours. The buyer was thrilled and several others were very disappointed to find it already sold.
Best of luck trying to find something.

[Airdog9]

Another option.....Check out Arvika bike racks from Canada. Just bought a 2 bike rack that mounts bikes above the propane. They have a 3 as well.

[jaybauman]

Good point on general availability.

I was able to procure Yakima Landing Pads, Towers, Bars, and FrontLoaders even during this time of “no availability”. I purchased from a local rack shop who sells Yakima and Thule (and others). It seems the manufacturers are giving priority to inventory fulfillment for these types of shops. Figure out what you want to buy and then place an order at your local rack builder small business.

[Shiny16]

Originally Posted by jaybauman

Good point on general availability.

I was able to procure Yakima Landing Pads, Towers, Bars, and FrontLoaders even during this time of “no availability”. I purchased from a local rack shop who sells Yakima and Thule (and others). It seems the manufacturers are giving priority to inventory fulfillment for these types of shops. Figure out what you want to buy and then place an order at your local rack builder small business.

If you shop around enough Thule and Yakima are products are likely to be found. I wouldn’t expect much in the way of discounts. Like bicycles the lower end ones are all sold out.

[GammaDog]

I can’t imagine where else I’d carry bikes, esp since our Eddie Bauer trailer has a hatch.

I modified an Advantage Sport in-bed rack to bolt into the Tundra’s bed rail and sit on top of the tonneau. I added 2” aluminum channel for each wheel at the rear of the tonneau. A bungee on each wheel hold the bikes in place.

https://www.airforums.com/photos/sho...697&catid=3233

[rsweisner]

Take a look at rockymounts tomahawk. I've travelled thousands of miles using them over the bed of my truck with no issues. They have a great military discount if that applies to you.

[RosenBob]

I have two Frontloaders that we use on the top of our camper shell. Our TV (Ram 2500 HD) is really high so while my wife stands on the tailgate I stand on a light ladder along the side of the shell to guide the front wheel in and secure it. It can be a little awkward to put them on the top of the shell but we've gotten pretty good at it now. The downside of having the bikes on the top of the shell is the overall height of the vehicle with bikes loaded. I think it's something like 11'; more than the height of our FC. So we have to be careful with overhanging tree branches, low overpasses, etc. Truck routes work but East Coast bridges and underpasses don't always.

[catesword]

Yakama has a price guaranty written into their contracts that applies to everyone except REI. If you're going to find a Yakama "anything" cheaper, it will be there.

[mefly2]

How does your tonneau seal around the rear stake pockets?
That has been a problem area for us ... almost like the rear hatch was designed for a different truck or a universal fit ...

[pandj12]

Malinois38, this is a side question as we are looking at a truck with a cap and I was wondering if you take off the front wheel is there room to put the bikes with a fork mount inside the cap. (height-wise)? I was looking at an F250 with a bed slide as we have two fairly expensive e-mountain bikes for security as well as protection. I think the height of a ford vs tundra with cap should be similar. If anyone else has that set up I would love to know. Hoping to set out for 2-year sabbatical next year.

[Sport 16 STL]

What make of trailer do you have?
Thanks

[Iansk]

Originally Posted by pandj12

Malinois38, this is a side question as we are looking at a truck with a cap and I was wondering if you take off the front wheel is there room to put the bikes with a fork mount inside the cap. (height-wise)? I was looking at an F250 with a bed slide as we have two fairly expensive e-mountain bikes for security as well as protection. I think the height of a ford vs tundra with cap should be similar. If anyone else has that set up I would love to know. Hoping to set out for 2-year sabbatical next year.

I’ve done that with my tundra and Leer camper shell (cab height).
Mine and my wife’s hardtail mountain bikes fork mount just fine in there...

Ian

[OTRA15]

Originally Posted by dznf0g

I believe that is the model my son has mounted to the roof of his folding camper.
. . .

What brand and model trailer camper is that shown in your next post?

Edit --- an Opus right?

https://www.opuscamper.us/

Thanks,

[malinois38]

Originally Posted by Sport 16 STL

What make of trailer do you have?
Thanks

I have a 28’ International.

Great insight from everyone, as expected! I ordered a “1 UP” after a little research. I will see how I like it before ordering 2 additional. BTW, 3 weeks estimated delivery.

Thanks for all the information & keep it coming!